Critic's Choice

It's been seven years since we've heard from Evan Dando, who once lent the Lemonheads a perpetually stoned swagger as well as an affinity for '60s-flecked guitar pop. During that time, he got hitched, fought -- and often lost -- a battle with the bottle and eventually got around to recording Baby, I'm Bored, his solo debut for Bar/None Records. Released in April, the album is a birthday-party-style offering that pairs Dando with some of his more talented pals: Giant Sand's Howe Gelb, Jon Convertino and Joey Burns of Calexico and producer/songwriter Jon Brion are among those who make contributions to Baby's swelling sound. Dando eschews his former trademark brattiness for a songwriter's sincerity, echoing everyone from Tim Buckley and Ray Davies to his own odd, introspective muse. Could this be proof that even a Lemonhead has to grow up sometime? Find out Tuesday, September 16, when Dando performs at the Bluebird Theater.